Description: SAT is the ASCII version of a file used by the ACIS modeling system. It has a binary analog called SAB (Standard ACIS Binary).

The ACIS modeling system is currently maintained by the Spatial Corporation. The system allows 3D modeling, 3D model management, and 3D model visualization. The system also allows extensions that provide additional functionality. ACIS is used in a variety of industries, including CAD, CAM, CAE, AEC, animation, and shipbuilding. For more details on the ACIS modeling system, see this site.

History: The ACIS modeling system began life as Romulus, created by Ian Braid and Charles Lang in 1982. Romulus was the first commercial solid modeling kernel designed for integration into CAD systems and was licensed by several CAD software vendors, including HP and Siemens. In 1986, Three-Space Ltd. (founded by Braid and Lang) was retained by Spatial Technology (now known as Spatial Corporation) to create the ACIS modeling system.

In terms of the history of the file format, changes were (and continue to be) introduced with each new version of ACIS. The file specifies which version it was created for, so the format is backwards-compatible.

Though it is readable in plain text, the file format does not lend itself very well for editing. Objects represented through the file can be quite confusing. For example, if you wanted to create a cone, you need to provide some arguments to the cone entity, but what those arguments are is not very clear. This format should mainly be edited through the ACIS program.